Maine’s Higgins may miss UMass-Lowell series after injuring his leg blocking a shot

Boston University’s Garrett Noonan (13) defends against Maine’s Stu Higgins (22) during a game in the Hockey East tournament last March in Boston. Higgins suffered a leg injury in Sunday’s game against New Hampshire and might not play in Maine’s weekend series against Lowell.

ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine’s struggling men’s hockey team could be without one of its best players this weekend when the Black Bears visit UMass-Lowell for a two-game series.

Sophomore center Stu Higgins missed most of the third period of Sunday’s 4-0 loss to New Hampshire due to a leg injury he sustained while blocking a shot.

“He suffered a severe bruise and had to have stitches,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “It doesn’t look good for the weekend but he’s a tough kid [and might be able to play].”

Whitehead said if he can’t play, it will be a significant loss.

“He plays in all situations, he’s one of our most consistent faceoff men and he’s a great shot blocker,” said Whitehead.

Higgins is tied for second on the team in scoring with a goal and two assists for the 1-8 Black Bears. He is also tied for second on the team in plus-minus at zero. A player receives a plus-one if he is on the ice when his team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal and a minus-one if the opponent scores one.

He is tied for third in shots on goal with 20.

Freshman Kyle Williams would take Higgins’ place in the lineup if he can’t play.